Misunderstanding leads to large search for 2 missing boys in Harrison

A large search for two missing boys in Harrison and surrounding areas Friday afternoon was started by a misunderstanding of what day of the week it was.

Harrison police Chief Brian Turack said his department responded to Argonne Drive shortly before 2 p.m. for a report of two missing children.

Shortly after 4 p.m., it was determined the boys, ages 5 and 7, were safe.

“The kids were perfectly safe the whole time,” Turack said. “They were with Dad. Mom thought today was Thursday.”

Harrison officers began investigating and asked for more help including numerous police, fire and ambulance agencies. Police dogs and drones were used; helicopters were on standby but canceled.

An alert was sent out to residents in Harrison, Brackenridge and Tarentum using the Savvy Citizen online system. The township and two boroughs began using Savvy Citizen earlier this year to share time-sensitive community alerts.

Turack said just over 2,000 of Harrison’s nearly 10,000 residents are signed up for Savvy Citizen. He suggested residents get the app.

Agencies that helped included Tarentum police; Allegheny County Police and sheriff’s department; the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; Citizens Hose Fire Company and its EMS; Hilltop Hose Fire Company; Harrison Hills Fire Company; ATI’s fire department; Pioneer Hose out of Brackenridge; Eureka Hose and ambulance service; and Summit Hose, both of Tarentum.

“Harrison Township police are appreciative for the assistance from all of the responding agencies and the residents who called with information of reported sightings,” Turack said.